The Gulf carrier said the decision was based on a recent surge in demand across its network, as well as customer feedback. The return of the A380 will be supported by the return of five smaller Airbus A320s.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Etihad Aviation Group chair, said reintroducing the A380 would "further boost Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market", and deliver wider benefits for the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

The double-decker A380 features Etihad’s Residence suite, as well as three cabin classes. Each aircraft has nine First apartment, 70 Business studios and 405 Economy Smart seats.

It is currently preparing the aircraft to fly again, including recruiting and training new A380s teams comprising pilots, cabin crew and technical ground staff.

Etihad said the return of the A380 would allow it to operate more frequencies on other routes, and add new destinations.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad chief executive, added: “We know this will be welcomed by our guests who love Etihad’s incredible A380 and its award-winning cabins.

"We have decided the time is right to return some of our A380s into the fleet to satisfy the demand which has made them financially viable once more. We look forward to welcoming our guests again on board this remarkable aircraft."